The City of Palo Alto Utilities Department (CPAU) will be upgrading the electric distribution system voltage from 4,160 Volt (4 kV) to 12,470 V in the area bounded by Chestnut Avenue, Park Boulevard, El Camino Real, and the Palo Alto/Mountain View City limits.
Background: The existing 4 kV distribution system in this area serves 1,857 customers and utilizes a primary neutral conductor for proper operation. Conversion to 12kV will allow removal of this conductor and associated equipment, reducing the amount of equipment and connectors to maintain, and improving service reliability. The overhead and underground neutral disconnect switches are old and in a deteriorated condition.
Scope: Work will involve, as necessary, replacing overhead and underground transformers, poles, crossarms & insulators, and installing new underground cable. Where possible, submersible equipment will be replaced with padmount equipment which is more reliable, safer to operate, and more easily maintained. Because of the size of the project, it has been divided into several phases.
This project is part of CPAU's long term program to convert existing 4 kV electrical distribution systems to 12 kV. Having all electrical systems at a single primary voltage increases operational flexibility, reduces the stock of spare equipment, reduces electrical losses on the system, and improves CPAU’s ability to serve existing and new customers in the City of Palo Alto. This project will help lead to the retirement of the 4 kV substation transformer and switchgear serving the area which is more than 40 years old.
Project Manager (City): Tom Ting, (650) 566-4548 Project Engineer (City): Mike Mintz, (650) 566-4551 Field Inspector (City): Scott Williams (650) 496-6933 After hours: CPA Communications, (650) 329-2413
Project Schedule: Tentative schedule of this project is as follows:
October to December 2008 - Phase 3 Fernando Avenue Area.
October to December 2008 - Phase 5 Wilkie Way & Tennessee Lane area.
October to December 2008 - Phase 6 Ventura Avenue area.
October to December 2008 - Phase 7 Wilkie Way & Whitclem Drive area.
December 2008 to February 2009 - Phase 8 Curtner Avenue & Wilton Avenue area.
December 2008 to February 2009 - Phase 9 Chestnut Avenue area.
February 2009 to March 2009 - Phase 10 Miller Avenue and Monroe Drive area.
This project is being designed and constructed concurrently with the EL CAMINO REAL SYSTEM REBUILD project; phase numbers are divided between the two projects.
For precise information regarding work schedule on your street, please contact Project Engineer.
Working Hours: Work will be performed Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
